Newborns and small babies can nurse in the position provided the mom wears a button-down or nursing shirt! This position uses both shoulders and the whole back for support. The baby sits in a pocket between the two separated sides of the fabric. Place the sling over your head in such a way that you have a cross in front of you and the pocket seam is smoothed across the small of your back. Make a knot in front of your tummy. Seat the baby into the cross in front of you with a leg hanging between each fold of the fabric. Smooth each side of the fabric completely across the babys bottom and back, ONE side at a time, bringing the babys arms under the fabric. After the baby is sitting safely, untie the knot, then re-tie it over the babys back. Any extra material should be tucked under the baby or inside the sling to avoid tripping hazards.

Hints:For a newborn, sit the baby onto the pouch created by the two pieces of fabric. Let the baby's legs curl up against your stomach instead of hanging down. This is a smarter position for newborns because there is no pressure on their back and pelvis.

For a tiny baby, after the baby is sitting comfortably, bring the fabric from the seat up around the babys feet, holding the babys legs up against your hips. This position holds the baby in a sitting position against your tummy. Since the legs are held in the seat of the fabric, no circulation is cut off and the baby isnt left hanging in front of you.

Cross-Carry Position baby facing outSometimes the baby prefers to sit facing out, you can do this as long as the baby's bottom is sitting completely in the sling, not hanging or dangling. This position is comfortable for baby, but puts some strain on the carrier's back.

Cradle-Carry Position

This is best used with newborns who are not capable of holding up their own head yet. You can also use this position with sleeping toddlers. Place the sling over the shoulder of your choice. The pocket seam should be in front just below your shoulder, with the ties hanging down in front. Hold the two sides together doubled, as your baby will lie on the doubled material rather than in between the two sides. Slide the baby into the pocket that is formed. Remember to support your babys neck while placing the baby into the sling. Tighten each of the hanging ties individually, until your baby is secure against your body. Make a knot with the two ties. Tuck the ties into the sling under the baby to avoid tripping hazards, or bring the ties back up over the baby's head for privacy while breastfeeding.

Place the sling over the shoulder of your choice. The pocket seam should be in front just below your shoulder, with the ties hanging down in front. Hold the two sides together doubled, as your baby will sit on the doubled material rather than in between the two sides. Slide the baby into the pocket that is formed, then sit the baby on your hip with the legs hanging down. Your baby sits on the doubled fabric against your hip. Tighten each of the hanging ties individually, until your baby is secure against your body. Make a knot with the two ties. You can also swing the baby in front of you sitting on your stomach instead of your hip, (some call this the Kangaroo Carry). These are great positions for quick errands because it is very easy to slip the baby in and out.

Back-Carry Position

I suggest doing this with older toddlers only.

Starting out with the Hip-Carry, after the baby is on your hip, lift your arm over the baby's head and push the baby around onto your back. Tighten each tie of the fabric individually, making sure the baby is completely secure. Have another adult spot you as you position the baby correctly.